Observed and predicted ages at peak height velocity in soccer players

PLoS One. 2021 Jul 26;16(7):e0254659. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254659. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate predicted maturity offset (time before age at PHV) and age at PHV (chronological age [CA] minus maturity offset) in a longitudinal sample of 58 under-13 club level soccer players in central Portugal for whom ages at PHV were estimated with the SITAR model. Two maturity offset prediction equations were applied: the original equation which requires CA sitting height, estimated leg length, height and weight, and a modified equation which requires CA and height. Predicted maturity offset increased, on average, with CA at prediction throughout the age range considered, while variation in predicted maturity offset and ages at PHV within CA groups was considerably reduced compared to variation in observed ages at offset and at PHV. Predicted maturity offset and ages at PHV were consistently later than observed maturity offset and age at PHV among early maturing players, and earlier than observed in late maturing players. Both predicted offset and ages at PHV with the two equations were, on average, later than observed among players maturing on time. Intra-individual variation in predicted ages at PHV with each equation was considerable. The results for soccer players were consistent with similar studies in the general population and two recent longitudinal studies of soccer players. The results question the utility of predicted maturity offset and age at PHV as valid indicators of maturity timing and status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Anthropometry
  • Athletes*
  • Athletic Performance / physiology*
  • Body Height / physiology*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Rheology
  • Sexual Maturation / physiology
  • Soccer / physiology*

Grants and funding

This study was supported by PAFID 289/2005 to MJCeS and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic TL01000394, 2018-2021, title: Poč tačov podpora pro analýzu a predikci růstu avvývoje d těte to MK. MJCeS, AJF, DVM and PSeS are integrated members of CIDAF research unit (uid/dtp/04213/2020) supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). DM and PSeS are granted by the FCT (SFRH/BD/121441/2016; SFRH/BD/138608/2018).